Does Mixing Tequila Increase the Calorie Count?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

One gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, nearly as much as fat, and hard liquors like tequila get all their calories from alcohol. This means that while a 1.5-ounce shot of tequila has a relatively consistent calorie count, adding mixers is almost always what causes the drink's total calorie count to increase significantly.

Quick Summary

The calories in a tequila cocktail come from both the tequila itself and any added mixers. Sugary additions like juice, soda, and syrups dramatically increase the total calorie count, far more than the tequila alone. Choosing low-calorie mixers is key for managing your total calorie intake when enjoying a tequila drink.

Key Points

Mixers are the primary calorie source: The significant calorie increase in a mixed tequila drink comes from sugary mixers, not the tequila itself.
Tequila has a consistent calorie base: A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains a fixed amount of approximately 97 calories.
Sugar-loaded mixers are the biggest offenders: Premade margarita mixes, juices, and sugary sodas are packed with sugar, drastically elevating the total calorie count.
Choose low-calorie alternatives: Opt for mixers like club soda, fresh lime juice, and flavored sparkling water to minimize added calories.
Mindful consumption is key: Understanding where the calories in your drinks come from is essential for managing your intake and supporting your weight goals.

The Core Calorie Culprit: Mixers

While a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories, this number represents only the alcohol's caloric contribution. The real variable in your drink's final calorie tally is the mixer. Many popular mixers are loaded with sugar, which contains 4 calories per gram, causing the total energy content of your drink to skyrocket. A margarita made with a premade, sugary mix, for instance, can easily contain 300 calories or more, with the majority coming from the high-fructose corn syrup in the mix, not the tequila itself.

Understanding 'Empty' Calories

Alcoholic beverages, including those with tequila, often provide what nutritionists refer to as "empty calories." This term means they supply energy without offering any significant nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. When you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it over other nutrients, which can slow down your body's fat-burning process. Adding sugary mixers only compounds this issue, piling on more empty calories and potentially leading to weight gain over time.

Calorie Comparison: Tequila Alone vs. Common Cocktails

To illustrate the impact of different mixers, consider the following breakdown. A simple shot of tequila with a lime wedge is one of the lowest-calorie ways to enjoy the spirit. However, the calorie count changes dramatically as other ingredients are introduced. The table below compares the calories in a standard tequila shot with some popular tequila-based drinks.


Drink	Tequila (1.5 oz)	Typical Mixer (Approximate)	Total Estimated Calories	Primary Calorie Source
Tequila Shot	97	0	97	Alcohol
Tequila & Soda	97	0 (club soda)	~97-100	Alcohol
Margarita	97	150-200 (premix/agave/juice)	~250-300+	Sugars from premix/syrup
Tequila Sunrise	97	130-180 (orange juice)	~227-277	Sugars from orange juice
Paloma	97	150-200 (grapefruit soda)	~250-300	Sugars from soda

Choosing Low-Calorie Tequila Mixers

For those who want to enjoy a mixed tequila drink without the calorie penalty, the key is to choose your mixers wisely. Opting for sugar-free or low-calorie alternatives can make a world of difference. Here are some excellent low-calorie options:

Club Soda: A splash of club soda adds carbonation without any calories, making it a perfect partner for tequila.
Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh citrus adds flavor and a dose of vitamin C with minimal calories.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh mint, basil, or a slice of jalapeño can provide a complex flavor profile for virtually no calories.
Sparkling Water: Flavored sparkling water can offer a fruity taste without the sugar content of traditional sodas.
Kombucha: While not calorie-free, a kombucha mixer can offer probiotics and flavor for fewer calories than sugary juices.

The Health-Conscious Tequila Drinker

Understanding the calorie contributions of your drinks is a crucial step for anyone monitoring their intake. While tequila on its own is a distilled spirit with a consistent caloric value, its final impact on your diet depends entirely on your choices. Being mindful of mixers—the primary source of added calories—allows you to enjoy tequila responsibly while minimizing its effect on your waistline. For more information on the broader effects of alcohol on health and weight, the MedlinePlus website offers comprehensive guidance.

The Takeaway

In summary, the pure tequila is not the primary source of extra calories in a mixed drink; the mixer is. The more sugar or cream you add, the higher the total calorie count will be. By opting for simple, low-calorie mixers, you can significantly reduce the caloric impact of your favorite tequila cocktails. For best results, stick to fresh ingredients and avoid pre-made mixes and high-sugar sodas.

Conclusion: Mixing Tequila Always Adds Calories, But the Mix Matters Most

To definitively answer the question, "Does mixing tequila increase the calorie count?" the answer is a resounding yes, in almost all cases. While a shot of pure tequila contains a fixed number of calories, nearly any ingredient you add will contribute additional energy. The crucial insight is that the type of mixer is what dictates the magnitude of this increase. A tequila soda with lime is fundamentally different from a sugary margarita, even though they both start with the same base spirit. By being a discerning cocktail creator and choosing fresh, low-sugar mixers, you can enjoy the taste of tequila without unknowingly consuming excessive empty calories. For effective weight management, it's the added sugars, not the tequila itself, that require the most attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof tequila contains approximately 97 calories. This count can vary slightly depending on the brand and proof.

Yes, a tequila shot with a lime wedge is considered a very low-calorie drink option. The lime adds negligible calories, keeping the total count close to that of the pure tequila.

Mixers that contain high amounts of sugar add the most calories. Examples include premade margarita mixes, traditional sodas, fruit juices (like orange or pineapple), and syrupy liqueurs.

The best low-calorie mixers include club soda, diet soda, fresh lime juice, and flavored sparkling water. These add flavor and fizz without the extra sugar.

Mixing tequila with sugary additions increases overall calorie intake and adds 'empty calories' that provide no nutritional value. This can contribute to weight gain, as the body prioritizes processing alcohol, slowing down fat metabolism.

While agave nectar is often associated with tequila, it is still a form of sugar and adds calories. A margarita made with agave and fresh lime will likely be lower in calories than one with a premade mix, but it will still be higher than a simple tequila soda.

Yes, mixing tequila with diet soda or other zero-calorie mixers is a much better choice for weight management. It allows you to enjoy a mixed drink without the significant calories from sugar.